Meet Makena Kahuha: The Kenyan Actress Inspired by MTV Shuga East to Create Her Own Play

Actress Makena Kahuha recently opened up about her experience working on the production of MTV Shuga East and her aspirations for the African film industry.

Speaking to Mpasho during the MTV Shuga Mashariki event, Kahuha shared her excitement about being part of a project that brought together a young, diverse cast.

“My favorite part was meeting new people, especially young people,” she said. “It’s not often you go to a set and find that 75% of the cast and crew are Gen Z. It was such a refreshing experience. I’ve made many new friends, and the learning process has been incredible. As an actor and a brand, it was a real eye-opener.”

Beyond her role in MTV Shuga East, Kahuha is gearing up for the premiere of her self-produced play, Miss Understood, which will be staged live at the Kenya National Theatre.

She revealed that the inspiration to create her one-woman show stemmed from her experience working on MTV Shuga Mashariki.

“Being part of MTV Shuga really ignited something in me. I felt the urge to create something uniquely African and personal,” she said.

“Miss Understood is a story that is very close to my heart. It’s about a young person caught between truth and tradition. It’s a narrative that mirrors my own experiences in so many ways.”

Kahuha stressed that her ultimate dream is to use her platform to tell African stories and to collaborate with filmmakers from across the continent.

“I am deeply passionate about telling African stories,” she said. “My dream is to work with filmmakers from Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and beyond. We often get caught up in telling other people’s stories and forget that we have incredibly important narratives that need to be shared with the world.”

As 2025 unfolds, Kahuha describes the year as a monumental one for her career. With the upcoming premiere of Miss Understood on May 7th and her participation in MTV Shuga, she feels a renewed sense of purpose.

“God has been so good to me this year,” she said. “I had another premiere earlier, then there’s MTV Shuga, and now my play Miss Understood, which I’ve poured my heart and soul into. It’s been a lot of work, but I’m so proud of what I’ve accomplished.”

Meanwhile, fans of MTV Shuga Mashariki can look forward to the series debuting globally on MTV Shuga’s YouTube channel starting May 14th, with new episodes airing every Wednesday at 8 PM EAT.

This season’s cast features a blend of fresh and seasoned talent, including Serah Wanjiru, Basil Mungai, Matthew Ngugi, Wilson Muchemi, Fatuma Gichuru, Julie Brenda, Fridah Mumbe, Mariam Bishar, and Makena Kahuha, each bringing powerful and authentic performances to the screen.

The series was officially unveiled at The Tamarind Brasserie, where the cast, crew, producers, partners, and media gathered for an exclusive first look.

Kahuha expressed her gratitude for being part of a project that not only highlights pressing social issues but also showcases the vibrant talent emerging from Africa’s creative scene.

“MTV Shuga Mashariki is more than just a show; it’s a movement,” she said. “It’s a platform where we can address issues affecting young people while also celebrating the richness of African storytelling. I’m proud to be part of it and excited for what the future holds.”

Here's her interview with Mpasho: